Bringing Energy to the Economy

The Theodore Roosevelt Expressway Association (TRE) plays a central role in advancing state policy priorities for the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway across North Dakota, working in close coordination with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and regional stakeholders. The Association’s efforts focus on upgrading U.S. Highway 85 into a four-lane divided corridor to improve safety, freight mobility, and energy sector access, particularly in western North Dakota’s Bakken region. TRE advocates for sustained state investment through North Dakota’s legislative appropriations and long-range transportation planning, while also aligning projects with federal funding opportunities such as INFRA and RAISE grants. Key policy priorities include advancing environmental clearances, supporting construction of remaining two-lane segments, enhancing system resilience in challenging terrain like the Badlands, and ensuring the corridor meets future Interstate standards.

In addition to freight and energy, TRE emphasizes the corridor’s importance to tourism, improving access to destinations such as Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, and surrounding Badlands communities. By enhancing roadway capacity, safety, and reliability, these investments support increased visitation, strengthen local economies, and promote North Dakota’s outdoor recreation, heritage tourism, and scenic byway experiences. Through coordinated outreach with state leaders, local governments, and industry partners, TRE continues to position the corridor as a critical north–south trade and travel route linking Canada to the central United States.